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Neil O'Sullivan, mitigating, said Martin had never been in trouble before and was struggling with a family tragedy at the time.

He needed to carry out car repairs and went to a DIY shop where he bought a Stanley knife which had a folding blade. It was not visible on the street and was "not brandished."

Mr O'Sullivan said: "He produced both items to the police without prevarication. This has been a huge wake-up call."

Martin acts as a support worker for "young adults with mental difficulties and various other issues," Mr O'Sullivan added.

Presiding magistrate Andy Walden said people risked jail if they carry knives in public.

"The question is whether it is immediate custody or whether it is possible to suspend the sentence. Given the statements about your previous background, we feel a suspended sentence is appropriate," the JP added.